The first day of Madrid's flamenco festival
benefit was nearly filled to capacity in the Colegio de Médicos.
The audience was anxious to hear Rafael Riqueni, Diego Carrasco,
Javier Barón and the “Chirigota de las Niñas”.
A team dedicated to the
fine art of flamenco humor
After
the customary comical introduction by Juan Luis Cano and Guillermo
Fesser, a team dedicated to the fine art of flamenco humor, the
stage filled with the delightful “Chirigota de las Niñas”. It was
really centered on one individual: in the fashion of traditional
“romance” or “corrido” storytelling, Ana López recounted the adventures
of an immigrant from Cádiz. The group is similar to a quartet format,
and although they will not participate in the chirigota contest
at the Falla theater in February, they have quite a large following
in Cádiz – in view of their success in the capital, possibly even
in Madrid as well.
A mini-recital that was very gratefully
received by both audience and press
Next up was Rafael Riqueni who performed pieces by various past
maestros of the flamenco guitar, as only a maestro could do. He
began recalling Sabicas with a solea and “Danza Árabe” after which
he paid tribute to Niño Ricardo with this guitarist's alegrías and
“Recuerdo a Sevilla”. He finished with Esteban Delgado “Sanlúcar”
whose “Zapateao” and “Mantilla de Feria” were the highlighted pieces.
Without a doubt a mini-recital that was very gratefully received
by both audience and press.
What can one say about
Diego Carrasco
that hasn't already been said?
…
And it was time for Mr. Compas. Before beginning his performance
Diego Carrasco spoke some words for his Seville counterpart in the
art of rhythmic modeling, the recently deceased Manolo Soler. What
can one say about Diego that hasn't already been said? And of his
repertoire that included alegrías, soleá and his characteristic
bulerías. “Hoy no es el día de la Bulería” recently performed in
Javier Barón's show along with Soler, was well received. Despite
a verse claiming “está cansado del compromiso de la juerga” ['he's
tired of so much fiesta'], he was like a fish swimming in familiar
waters. Juan Diego accompanied him on the guitar.
Javier Barón is a master of managing
the moment, taking it by surprise with just a look.
After
an intermission, the show continued with Javier Barón. Tonás for
an opening, with David Palomar, former member of the group Levantito,
followed by choruses from El Barrio and Joselito Anillo. With the
addition of Javier Patino on the guitar, and television personality
Juan Ruiz on the cajón, it was time to enjoy Javier's dancing, a
master of managing the moment, taking it by surprise with just a
look. He began with soléa transforming it into bulerías…and thus
ended the first day of this festival which is much appreciated in
Managua or Calcutta thanks to the projects the box-office take will
help finance. Anyone who's able, get over to the Colegio de Médicos
to contribute to a worthy cause as well as enjoy some high quality
flamenco.
